Published: August 23, 2024
Are you sure you want to pay for the Hulu + Live TV Disney package?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Hulu + Live TV is priced at $76.99 per month, rising to $82.99 in October, but includes virtually all broadcast and cable channels.
So, is it worth it?
“None of these other services offer any value close to the Disney bundle; Hulu + Live TV customers get the on-demand library of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ at no additional cost,” The Streamable reported on August 20. “In October, however, Disney will raise prices on nearly all of its streaming offerings, including Hulu + Live TV, so the question is, is Hulu + Live TV still the best streaming offering?”
The price of $76.99 is for the ad-supported version, while the ad-free version costs $89.99. In October, it costs $95.99.
“The new prices are still cheaper than if you bundled the services individually, but there may be a better way to get what you want, especially considering there’s a new streaming package from Disney that won’t be affected by the price increases,” The Streamable said.
Movieguide® previously reported:
“Hulu + Live TV also includes Hulu’s extensive library of exclusive TV shows and hit movies, ad-supported Disney+ and ESPN+ in a single plan, and unlimited DVR that lets you record and save your favorite content for up to 100 months,” Disney said. “Disney networks and channels are also available on other TV streaming services like DIRECTTV Stream, YouTube TV, Sling and Fubo.”
“Last month, Disney officially launched a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery that allows consumers to bundle Disney+ and Hulu with WBD’s flagship streamer Max for $16.99 (ad-supported) or $29.99 (ad-free). This brings a whole new level of economic intrigue to the debate as you try to figure out the best path forward,” The Streamable said.
Subscribers receive a discount of up to 38% on the $16.99 fee.
“After the price increase, a Hulu + Live TV subscription will cost at least $82.99, but that includes the ad-supported on-demand offerings Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. If you want to add Max to that, you’ll have to do so a la carte, as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle discounts don’t apply to Hulu + Live TV subscribers. That’s a total of $92.98 per month,” The Streamable said.
There is no bundle that offers ESPN+ and Max. And unless you’re a huge sports fan, it would probably be better for your wallet if you didn’t subscribe to Hulu + Live TV. Instead, you could get YouTube TV for $72.99 a month, add the Disney+, Hulu, Max bundle for $16.99, and pay $89.98 in total.
If you’re considering the ad-free options, there’s the Hulu + Live TV ad-free package with Hulu on-demand, since ESPN+ always has ads anyway, and Disney+ with no ads. In October, that would cost $95.99 per month. Add Max ad-free and you’re at $112.98 total.
If you switch to YouTube TV and the ad-free Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle, it will only cost $102.98. That would save you $10 per month.
Aside from the fact that the main advantage of Hulu + Live TV is ESPN+, CNET also pointed out that the selection of live channels is limited compared to YouTube TV.
“Whether it’s financially worth it to stick with Hulu + Live TV after October’s price hike will ultimately be a matter of priorities,” The Streamable said. “If sports aren’t important to you, you’re probably better off with another option for your live TV streaming needs, especially if you prefer ad-free on-demand content. But if you think you’ll tune in to the live sports action on ESPN+ — not to mention all the analysis, documentaries, alternative shows, and more — it’s probably worth sticking with Hulu + Live TV despite the hard-to-absorb price hike.”
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